The American flag is unusual, both in looks and significance. But as symbol of the nation, it has a meaning and a function beyond what individual citizens make of it.

And that's the thing about post-Communist songs. There are some splendidly catchy ones which are so laden with political baggage that they are utterly unsingable. Hearing the Anthem of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (available, if you're interested, on sovmusic.ru) makes my flesh creep in the same way that the Horst Wessel Lied does.

President Obama's address at the memorial in Tucson was really two speeches in one. The first speech was brilliant. The second was courageous.

Americans voice their opinions: English only for the national anthem, Bush is low but could be worse, and tough times expectedfor the war in Iraq.

November 9 is the anniversary of both joyous and regrettable events in German history.

There has been a growing understanding in the US government in recent years about Pakistan's destabilizing role in Afghanistan and its support for terrorist groups, but Washington has failed to force Pakistan to change its policy.

Friends, colleagues, and admirerspay tribute toJeane Kirkpatrick.

There was a touch of starry-eyed celebrity worship that came with the election of President Barack Obama.